Abstract: A method for forming polyacrylic acid granules and granules prepared therefrom, wherein the granules are flowable, have comparable swelling characteristics and provide comparable tablet properties to powdered polyacrylic acid, have increased bulk density and contain minimal amounts of very small particles that can cause dusting and static adherence. The granules are used to prepare controlled-release tablets, especially for pharmaceutical purposes. The tablets prepared from granules obtained by the method of present invention have superior controlled release properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to high molecular weight block copolymers of &egr;-caprolactone and &ohgr;-lauryl lactam prepared by sequential bulk polymerization using a mixture of at least one anionic polymerization initiator and optionally at least one co-initiator. A preferred continuous sequential bulk reactive extrusion process comprises feeding a mixture of &ohgr;-lauryl lactam, at least one anionic polymerization initiator, and at least one co-initiator into the first (i.e., upstream) hopper of an extruder, and thereafter feeding &egr;-caprolactone into a second (i.e., downstream) hopper of the extruder. The preferred continuous sequential bulk reactive extrusion is solvent free, rapid (typical mean and maximum residence times in the extruder being no more than about 20 minutes and 30 minutes respectively), and produces a high conversion of monomers to block copolymer.

Abstract: A wheelchair has a plurality of central wheels which can be either power or manually driven, at least one rear caster wheel, and at least one resiliently biased ground engaging front wheel having a multiple suspension assembly. The wheelchair has improved tracking since the front wheel is maintained on the ground even on undulating, bumpy, or irregular surfaces. The wheelchair also has improved stability since the front ground engaging wheel also acts as a resiliently biased anti-tip wheel.

Abstract: A wheelchair back assembly is provided which has a back plate held in position relative to upright wheelchair cane members by opposed independent mounting assemblies. The mounting assemblies include a support bar which carries a bracket attached to the back support plate. The assemblies further include universal cane clamp members hingedly attached to a pivot mechanism that allows for independent bi-lateral adjustment in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the seat of the wheelchair. The clamping member further includes a through bore, which is seated on the spindle of a compression latch secured to the upright canes of a wheelchair. A pivotable lever acts as a latch member as it compresses elastomeric O-rings in order to latch the hinge in position relative to the spindle member and to provide for a resilient attachment. The lever also has a locking position to retain the lever in its latched position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microemulsion compositions which can be utilized as coatings to improve the drying rate, protection, and shine of various surfaces, specifically metallic vehicle surfaces. Polyisobutylene copolymers and derivatives thereof are utilized as a hydrophobe.

Abstract: A snow making machine has at least one flexible hose assembly, with an inner hose connected to a water supply and an outer jacket to receive coolant from a chiller. Ice/snow formed in the inner hose is dislodged by inflating squasher hoses in the outer jacket, and pressurised air fed via a line can assist transport of the dry snow crystals to the end of the hose assembly.

Abstract: An identifying device for a carrier such as meat hook includes a transponder in a housing. The housing may be pinned in place, be pressed into a hole drilled in the meat hook, etc. so that it is held within the bounds of the carrier. Typically the housing is made of ultra high molecular polyethylene and the transponder therein is encased in epoxy resin. As the transponder has a unique code the carrier can be tracked through a meat processing plant despite impacts, harsh cleaning procedures, etc.

Abstract: A spinal implant system is provided having a stabilization rod, a plurality of bone anchors which could be either hooks or screws and which have an internal recess that defines a rod-receiving channel. Sidewalls of the anchor project beyond the recess, and are threaded on the outside. These external threads cooperate with the internal threads of a locking member, or cap nut, which has a top surface with a cavity that includes an internal hexagon. The internal threads are on the inside of the cylindrical sidewalls of the cap nut. Further, on the bottom side of the top surface, the cap nut has a guide member in the form of a cylindrical boss, which has a smaller diameter than that of the recess within the anchor. The boss helps to prevent cross threading and to prevent collapse of the anchor sidewalls under high forces. An annular ridge on the bottom of the boss further helps to retain the rod relative to the anchor.

Abstract: A graft copolymer composition and the preparation of the composition by living radical polymerization is disclosed. The polymerization reaction can be initiated at active chlorine sites on the poly(vinyl chloride) backbone in conjunction with a transition metal catalyst and an optional ligand. The graft copolymers are useful as, among others, compatibilizers for blends and alloys, as high heat distortion temperature poly(vinyl chloride) materials, as impact modifiers, and permanently plasticized materials.

Abstract: A conductive polymer is disclosed which is suitable for use in applications which require corrosion resistance including resistance to corrosion when subjected to acidic flow at temperature ranging from −40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and which can be molded such as by compression and/or injection molding techniques, into highly intricate and thin specimens without significant post machining. and which exhibit consistent conductivity, sufficient strength and flexibility, and appropriate surface characteristics. In particular the invention involves molding resin composition, which have high loadings of conductive fillers. Further the compositions may include rheological modifiers such as Group II oxides and hydroxides; carbodiamides; aziridines; polyisocyanates; polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE); perfluoropolyether (PFPE), and polyethylene. In an additional embodiment of the invention, an anti-shrink additive is added to improve the characteristics of the molded fuel cell plate.

Abstract: A rheology modifying copolymer composition containing a cross-linked copolymer of unsaturated carboxylic acid, a hydrophobic monomer, a hydrophobic chain transfer agent, a cross linking agent, and, optionally, a steric stabilizer, provides increased viscosity in aqueous electrolyte-containing environments.

Abstract: A clamping tool which can generally be utilized to align and hold tubes to be welded. The clamping tool has a curvilinear body or frame similar to a traditional “C”-shaped clamp which is well known in the art. The tool of the present invention has at least one solid angle clamping element or member which is formed from a single piece of metal. Advantageously, the solid angle clamping element is free of welds and can withstand numerous heating and cooling cycles typically associated with welding.

Abstract: A process which relies on a joining technique between two individual strongly linked superconductors is disclosed. Specifically, this invention relates to fabrication of single domains of YBa2Cu3Ox or YBa2Cu3Ox with the addition of Y2BaCuO5 and/or other secondary phases such as Pt/PtO2, CeO2, SnO2, Ag, Y2O3 and other rare earth oxides, by using a top-seeded, melt processing technique. Beginning with a single crystal seed such as Nd1+xBa2−xCu3Ox or SmBa2Cu3Ox crystals, a melt-textured YBCO domain with crystallographic orientation nearly similar to that of the seed crystal can be fabricated. The samples are next machined to desired geometrical shapes. A bonding material is then applied to the ac plane. Low solidification or recrystalization point, similar crystal structure to that of YBa2Cu3Ox, and capability of growing epitaxially on YBCO domains are critical parameters of the bonding material.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided, having a recline mechanism for the chair back and wherein the seat is repositioned forward in response to recline to reposition the user's weight relative to the supporting wheels. The chair is also independently equipped with a weight-shifting tilt mechanism. Moreover, a bilateral tracking mechanism (i.e., controlled motion is transmitted to both sides) is used to reposition the seat. This avoids torque due to uneven loading of the chair. Back canes of the chair and/or brackets on the chair back are slotted to enable infinite adjustment of chair arms, ventilator trays, and other accessories.

Abstract: A wheelchair suspension system comprises a suspension assembly disposed adjacent to each wheel of the wheelchair, and attached to an interconnecting the axle of the wheels to the wheelchair frame. Each of the suspension assemblies includes a front bracket and a rear bracket, wherein the front bracket is attached to the wheelchair frame and the rear bracket is attached to the axle. Top and bottom generally L-shaped arms each are pivotally attached to each of the brackets in a diametrically opposed fashion, and an elastomeric spring is disposed between and interconnects the arms. When one or more of the wheels encounters a bump in a travel surface of the wheelchair, the arms pivot about the brackets, remain parallel to each other, and move closer together to compress the spring which absorbs a significant amount of shock caused by the bump.

Abstract: A run flat tire has a plurality of reinforcing wedges located in the tire sidewall with the hardness of each wedge generally diminishing in the radially inward direction of the sidewall. Since the bead filler is harder than the radial innermost wedge, the hardness at generally the top of the bead filler increases in the radial inward direction. The reinforcing wedges partially overlap each other and can generally have any configuration. The changing of hardness of the radial wedges results in a wedge sequence and thus a more even strain distribution throughout the tire sidewall. This strain distribution extends the run flat life of the tire and also provides a good balance with other tire performance parameters.

Abstract: A wheelchair is provided which has a seat height adjustment comprised of a in-line turnbuckle that allows infinite adjustment of the length of a turnbuckle assembly. The assembly includes a handgrip with a longitudinal recess having a first end with smaller internal threads that mate with the external threads of a smaller diameter cylinder. This cylinder can telescope with a recess formed in a second hollow cylinder having oppositely threaded external threads that mates with a second larger diameter set of threads in a second end of the longitudinal recess of the handgrip. The smaller diameter cylinder includes a snap button on a spring, which catches an annular shoulder on the recess formed at the transition between the smaller and the larger diameter areas. This inhibits the turnbuckle from over-extension. Further, the assembly has a restraint, which inhibits the turnbuckle assembly from working out of its selected position during use. The restraint can be pop detent or jam nut.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical multiple circuit breaker with (N) first optical inputs (E1) (n)), whereby these inputs can be switched optionally to (N) first or (N) second optical outputs (A1(n)) and/or (A2(n)). Light rays (LS1(n)) and LS2(n)) are reflected or transmitted from two surfaces (27, 28), to which end the at most two recesses (25) of a transparent base body (1) that form these surfaces are filled optionally with an optically thinner or denser material (26). In accordance with a first embodiment, both surfaces (27, 28) are so arranged that, in the reflecting switching state, the first inputs (E1(n)) are optically connected to the first outputs (A1(n)), and the second inputs (E2(n)) are connected to the second outputs (A2(n)), and that in the transmission switching state, the first input (E1(n)) are optically connected to the second outputs (A2(n)).

Abstract: A high elongation, low 100% modulus composition comprises a copolymer dispersed in a continuous phase polysiloxane. The copolymer is made from high amounts of at least a monomer which is capable of forming a low Tg polymer and relatively low amounts of at least a monomer which is capable of forming a high Tg polymer. The monomer forming the low Tg polymer can be an alkyl acrylate whereas the monomers forming the high Tg polymer can be a vinyl ester, an acrylonitrile or derivatives thereof, a vinyl substituted aromatic such as styrene, an alkyl methacrylate, and the like. The composition has good adhesion to substrates as well as good viscosity aging, and can be utilized in caulks or sealants.

Abstract: The invention pertains to wheelchairs, and more particularly, to a wheelchair seat having a seat back member which substantially maintains a constant vertical angle when the seat bottom or rail is pivotably raised and lowered. Accordingly, the angle between a seat back and seat rail is changed during adjustment of the seat rail.